City Council

Thursday, August 31,2000
Minutes



ST. GEORGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WORK MEETING AUGUST 31, 2000, 4:00 P.M. ADMINISTRATION CONFERENCE ROOM PRESENT: Mayor Daniel McArthur Councilmember Bob Whatcott Councilmember Sharon Isom Councilmember Suzanne Allen Councilmember Rod Orton City Manager Gary Esplin City Attorney Jonathan Wright City Recorder Gay Cragun EXCUSED: Councilmember Larry Gardner SITE VISIT TO RED HILL: A site visit was taken to property proposed for trade with the County located on the Red Hill at the intersection of Skyline Drive and the road to the Animal Shelter. Present were Washington County Commissioner Jim Eardley, Mayor Daniel McArthur, City Councilmembers Sharon Isom, Rod Orton, Suzanne Allen, and Bob Whatcott, City Manager Gary Esplin, Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins, and Spectrum reporter Loren Webb. The County proposes to trade 1.44 acres of property they own near the Canyons Complex for 1.93 acres of property owned by the City at this location on the Red Hill to expand the County yard. Their request also includes property located west of the road to the animal shelter and relocating the road at their expense. REPORT FROM POLICE DEPARTMENT: Chief Flowers and Sgt. Rich Farnsworth reported on a recent training exercise in Missoula, Montana attended by eight St. George Police Officers. St. George City officers worked 12-16 hour shifts for four days and gained valuable experience in crowd control at the Hells Angels National Conference, and at no cost to the City except for salaries. DISCUSSION RE GOLF FEES: Golf Director Dave Terry distributed a memorandum concerning proposed golf fees, and advised his main objective was primarily to recoup sales tax for green fees the City has been paying to the State which amounted to $290,000 last year. The end goal is to have money to operate the golf courses, meet capital needs, and remain in the black. He reviewed the proposed green fee structure with those present. A copy of the Memorandum is attached hereto as Exhibit "A." He advised that fees and taxes are proposed to be rounded off to an even number. Councilmember Orton commented that rounding off the fees and taxes to an even number appears to make the green fees higher than they actually are, and everyone expects to pay sales tax. If the City is trying to stay competitive, green fees should be left as is, and sales tax charged in addition. Mr. Terry replied the City would then be the only one in the area who charges in this manner. City Manager Gary Esplin commented that Green Springs’ fee structure includes recapturing sales tax. Councilmember Orton advised he had never heard of anyone including sales tax in the price of something. Kay Bills commented that the eight month pass is really only a seven month pass because during the month of September the City reseeds the courses. The City is taking away a month of play and charging another $125 a year to do it. Mr. Terry replied the pass amount was based on per round revenue. He advised that during reseeding nine holes are kept open at all times at Southgate, Red Hills and St. George Golf Club, and 18 holes are kept open at Sunbrook. City Manager Gary Esplin commented that as more and more pass players play in October and November, the fees have remained the same, and no one else can get on the courses. Councilmember Whatcott advised St. George City’s prices should not be compared with the competition, as the City must do what is best for its residents, the golf courses, and the City’s budget. Other courses will not change their fees based on what St. George does, and St. George should not change their fees based on what others are doing. City Manager Gary Esplin advised staff is recommending that sales tax be recouped, but will proceed in any way directed by the City Council. Staff is also recommending that rates be raised at Sunbrook in order to raise money for capital improvements there. The recommended fee is still fair and competitive. Mr. Terry advised that 250 resident punch cards are sold at Sunbrook each year. It is also recommended that residents receive discounts at all courses with a resident card. The card may be obtained at Leisure Services by showing voter registration, a property tax notice, a drivers license, or a St. George City utility bill. The price of a resident discount card is $10 per year. Councilmember Orton commented he felt comfortable with the recommended changes as the City Council is committed to keeping its golf courses the finest in the State, and the new fee structure is a positive step to maintain the golf courses, while still remaining competitive. Mr. Terry reported that the new bridges at Southgate and St. George Golf Club will be in by November, with cart path work completed by December. Mr. Esplin advised the proposed fee structure will be on the September 7, 2000 City Council agenda for action. REPORT ON MOBILE WATCH PROGRAM: Mayor McArthur advised that the Mobile Watch program has 60-80 members, and have invited City Councilmembers to ride with them. REQUEST TO LOCATE SIGN AT BOULEVARD AND BLUFF: Councilmember Suzanne Allen advised that Dr. Doxey is raising funds for the Doctors’ Free Clinic and would like to place a sign at the corner of Bluff and St. George Blvd. City Attorney Jonathan Wright advised that placement of the sign would be illegal as it is an off-premise sign. ADJOURN: The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. __________________________________ Gay Cragun, City Recorder